Coconut Gardens Research Articles

Diversity and dynamics of weed flora in coconut gardens with varied spacings along the west coast of Kerala, India

Diversity and dynamics of weed flora in coconut gardens with varied spacings along the west coast of Kerala, India

Physiological Response of Blackgram Varieties to Foliar Nutrition and Growth Regulators under Partial Shade in Coconut Orchard in Kerala

Background: Coconut is one of the major plantation crops in Kerala which are planted at a wider spacing of 7.6 m ´ 7.6 m giving an ample opportunity for growing intercrops. To enhance soil fertility and productivity of crops inclusion of legumes is a viable option. Blackgram, though a shade sensitive crop performs well in partially shaded coconut gardens due to fast growing nature. The unique ability of biological nitrogen fixation, soil amelioration, carbon sequestration, low water requirement and capacity to withstand extreme drought, pulses have remained an integral component of coconut based cropping system. Since blackgram is a shade sensitive crop, to increase the productivity of blackgram in coconut garden, foliar spray of nutrients and growth regulators is a viable option. Under, shaded or stressed situations, nutrients and plant growth regulators provide optimum vegetative growth by regulating plant growth and architecture. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of foliar nutrition and growth regulator application on the physiology and yield of different blackgram varieties. Methods: A field trial was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India during rabi 2020 and summer 2020-21. To find the performance of five blackgram varieties. The treatments consisted of five performing blackgram varieties under partial shade viz; Sumanjana, DBGV 5, VBN 5, VBN 6, CO 6 and foliar sprays of nutrients (19:19:19 NPK, sulphate of potash) and plant growth regulators [naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and salicylic acid (SA)] alone and in combinations in split plot design at 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Result: The study identified Sumanjana and DBGV 5 as shade adaptive varieties with suitable physiological traits. In both seasons, a higher stomatal conductance and lower stomatal index were observed, indicating a more efficient allocation of resources towards the photosynthetic machinery. Foliar spray of 19:19:19 (1%) and NAA at 40 mg/L and SA at 100 mg/L at 45 and 60 DAS resulted in higher seed yield, dry matter production and also higher net income and benefit cost ratio for these two varieties.

Studies on Potassium Fractions in Central and Southern Dry Zones of Coconut Growing Areas of Hassan District of Karnataka, India

The experiment was conducted in an order to get an insight about the potassium (K) fractions in Central and Southern dry zone of coconut growing areas of Hassan district, Karnataka during 2022-23. The soil samples from surface (0-30 cm) and sub-surface (30-60 cm) were collected from the soils of selected coconut gardens of Central and Southern dry zones of Hassan district for the study. Results revealed that the average water soluble K, hot water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K in surface soils of coconut gardens of Central dry zone of Hassan district registered was 2.76, 9.25, 54.65, 555.35, 5896.00 and 6509.00 mg kg-1, respectively. Whereas the above potassium fractions in sub-surface soil recorded were 2.67, 7.70, 47.36, 699.66, 7282.00 and 8032.00 mg kg-1, respectively. The various forms of potassium in surface soils of Southern dry zone revealed that water soluble K, hot water-soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K was 2.87, 8.85, 53.51, 546.61, 5603.00 and 6206.00 mg kg-1, respectively. Whereas the above potassium fractions in sub-surface soil recorded were 2.21, 7.20, 45.21, 709.20, 7431.00 and 8188.00 mg kg-1, respectively. The trend of decrease in water soluble K and exchangeable K from surface to sub-surface layers was noticed in soils of Central and Southern dry zone whereas non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K exhibited an increasing trend with depth. The contribution of each form of potassium to total potassium was in the order of water soluble < hot water-soluble K< exchangeable < non-exchangeable < lattice K. Knowledge of different forms of potassium in soil together with their distribution has greater relevance in assessing the long-term K supplying power of soil to coconut palm and is important in formulating a sound fertilizer program for a given set of soil.

Customized fertilizers for higher yield and income: Evidences from on-farm validation in coconut – tuber crop intercropping system

Fifteen on-farm experiments were conducted in tropical tuber crops intercropped in coconut gardens in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala, during 2018-2021 for the validation of customized fertilizers formulated from on-station developed Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) practices. The validation experiments were done under the aegis of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, in a project funded by Coconut Development Board, Kochi, Kerala.Three treatments viz., T1: SSNM technology using customized fertilizers (CF) (SSNM), T2: present POP recommendation (POP) and T3: farmer's practice (FP) was evaluated in cassava, elephant foot yam and greater yam intercropped with coconut. System productivity and profitability were worked out for the different treatments based on yield and income from coconut and tuber crops in the respective treatments. Pooled analysis indicated that the coconut yield under intercropping with tuber crops under SSNM using CF was higher by 12-23% in comparison to coconut monocrop maintained unscientifically by the farmers. Tuber yield under CF proved superior over POP by 9.3% and FP by 37.4%. On an average, the net income from coconut-tuber crop intercropping system under SSNM using CF was ₹ 270396 per ha, whereas it was ₹ 198047 in POP and ₹146358 in FP and significantly outperformed sole coconut (₹ 7764).Thus, the results of the validation experiments indicated that the use of customized fertilizers in tuberous intercrops offered resilience with higher system productivity and profitability from coconut gardens.

Organic management of tuberous intercrops for resilience, higher yield and profit from coconut plantations: Insights from validation experiments in Kerala, India

Fifteen on-farm experiments were conducted in tropical tuber crops intercropped in coconut gardens in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala, during 2018-2021 for validation of organic production technologies. The validation experiments were performed under the aegis of the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, in a project funded by the Coconut Development Board, Kochi, Kerala. Three treatments viz., T1: organic farming technology (OF), T2: POP recommendation (POP) and T3: farmer's practice (FP) were evaluated in cassava, elephant foot yam and greater yam intercropped with coconut. System productivity and profitability were worked out for the different treatments based on yield and income from coconut and tuber crops in the respective treatments. Pooled analysis indicated that the coconut yield under intercropping with tuber crops in organic mode was high by 7-13% in comparison to monocrop of coconut maintained by the farmers. Tuber yield under organic management was superior over POP by 14% and FP by 27%. On an average, the net income from coconut-tuber crop intercropping system under organic management was ₹ 2,36,133 ha-1, whereas it was ₹ 1,56,904 ha-1 in POP and ₹ 1,32,706 ha-1 in FP and significantly outperformed sole coconut (₹ 7,764 ha-1). Thus, the results indicated that organic management of coconut-tuber crop system offered resilience with higher system productivity and profitability.

Crop Diversification for Enhanced Productivity in the Southern Laterites of Kerala

Background: The key focus of crop diversification is the selection of compatible crops for increasing biodiversity, efficient use of resources and enhancing system productivity. Monocropped coconut gardens provide ample scope for crop diversification through the inclusion of several crops as intercrops. The present study was conducted to assess the feasibility of intercropping maize, finger millet, black gram and green gram in coconut garden. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive summer seasons to assess the suitability of maize, finger millet, black gram and green gram as intercrops in coconut garden. Result: The present investigation revealed that maize (cereal) and finger millet (millet) were suitable as intercrops in coconut garden. The adaptability of the tested crops and system productivity were assessed and discussed. On the whole, the nutrient balance sheet revealed the importance of soil test based nutrient management for intercropping in coconut garden.

Development of IPM module for rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) in juvenile coconut garden

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is an important crucial plantation crop and prone to many pests and diseases. Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) is an important pest that causes damage and reduce the yield. During 2018, Gaja cyclone affected the coconut plantations in delta regions of Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinm Districts. Rhinoceros beetle was found to inflict severe damage in replanted young coconut seedlings. The present study was carried out to mitigate the damage due to rhinoceros beetle in coconut gardens. Shoot damage of 14.07, 11.36, and 18.17 per cent was recorded in Module - I recommended practice, Module - II IPM and module - III farmers’ practice respectively. The maximum shoot damage reduction of 37.48 per cent was observed over farmers’ practice recorded in Module - II IPM followed by recommended practice (22.56%). Module - II IPM was found to be effective against rhinoceros beetles than recommended practice and farmers’ practice.

Performance of black pepper varieties as intercrop in coconut gardens in the lower Brahmaputra valley of Assam state, India

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is well habituated as an inter/under/mixed crop in plantation crops. A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station (AICRP on Palms), Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University for 12 consecutive years (2009-2021) for studying the performance of black pepper varieties/hybrids when grown as intercrop in 38 year old Assam Green Tall. Panniyur-1 produced a higher number of laterals with more spread compared to other varieties. Similarly, a significantly higher number of spikes (134.0), spike length (15.0 cm) and number of berries per spike (82.0) were also recorded in Panniyur-1. Sreekara recorded the lowest spike length (9.8 cm), while IISR Malabar Excel recorded the lowest number of spikes (85.0). Six-year mean dry berry yield indicated that the yield was significantly higher with Panniyur-1 (1.60 kg vine-1) followed by Sreekara (1.49 kg vine-1) and average yield of 1.00 kg vine-1 recorded in IISR Malabar Excel, IISR Thevam and IISR Shakthi. The oleoresin content (11.7%) and piperine content (5.2%) was found highest in Panniyur-1, followed by Sreekara (10.9 % and 4.5%) whereas, the lowest oleoresin content (8.8%) and piperine content (2.9%) were recorded in IISR Malabar Excel and IISR Thevam, respectively. Intercropping of black pepper in coconut garden recorded the highest net return (` 237088 ha-1) and B: C ratio (3.48) followed by Sreekara (` 212764 ha-1; B: C ratio 3.12) and the lowest net return (` 177938 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.61) were obtained in IISR Malabar Excel.

Growth and flowering pattern of commercial Heliconia varieties in coconut ecosystem

A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala, during 2012-2016 for identifying potential commercial heliconia varieties suitable for intercropping in the coconut ecosystem. The experiment revealed that heliconia varieties viz., Iris, Kawauchi, Sunrise and She are suitable as intercrops in coconut gardens. A combination of the varieties She and Sunrise can be planted in the ratio 1:1 for year-round production of marketable inflorescences. Variety Iris can be planted at 1.25 x 1.25 m spacing, whereas the others require spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Heliconia intercropping resulted in higher productivity of the main crop (coconut) as well. This may be due to the micro habitat’s higher moisture retention, which might have resulted in the percentage reduction of fallen nuts in coconut.

Manjari: A Cowpea Aphid Borne Mosaic Virus (CABMV) tolerant yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis (L) Verdc) variety suited for problem zone of Kerala

Cowpea is an important vegetable crop worldwide and it contributes to nutritional security, income generation and soil fertility enhancement. The production of cowpea is limited by several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is a major virus disease that results in substantial yield loss to the crop. The development and release of resistant varieties is the most viable option in the management of this disease. The objective of the study was to develop CABMV resistant cowpea varieties without compromising yield and quality which are suited for intercropping as well as pure crops. Backcross breeding for imparting disease resistance was performed in which CABMV resistance was transferred from the cultivar CO6. KMV1 is a superior variety suited for intercropping in coconut gardens and well suited to the special problem zone of Kerala but susceptible to virus disease. The segregating generations up to BC4F3 were evaluated for disease resistance and economically important traits. The economically superior selection having CABMV resistance was released as variety Manjari. The variety possesses the characteristics of tolerance to mosaic disease, shade tolerance, ideal for intercropping and very good culinary characters. Key words: Yard long bean, CABMV resistance, Vigna ungiculata ssp. Sesquipedalis

Early evaluation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) clones as intercrop in coconut gardens under red river region of Assam State, India

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station (AICRP on Palms), Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University for three consecutive years (2018-20) to study the initial performance of cocoa clones as intercrop in adult coconut (Cocos nucifera L) garden spaced at 7.5 m × 7.5 m taking sixteen cocoa clones. Data on tree height, stem girth, number of pods, pod weight, number of beans pod-1, dry bean weight tree-1 year-1 and single dry bean weight revealed significant variations among the 16 cocoa clones. Dried beans are the prime economic produce of cocoa, and single dry bean weight ranged from 0.95 to 1.4 g. With respect to dry bean yield tree-1, VTLC-20 recorded a significantly higher dry bean yield of 2.2 kg tree-1 followed by VTLC-18 (1.5 kg tree-1) compared to other cocoa clones, and eight clones yielded more than 1.0 kg dry bean tree-1. Results showed that the number of leaves on the crown, number of inflorescences per palm and nut yield of coconut was not negatively affected; rather, there was an increase in the yield of coconut over a period.

​Identification of Low Light Tolerant Blackgram Varieties with Respect to Morpho-physiology and Yield

Background: Blackgram is generally considered as a shade sensitive crop. Nevertheless, it fits well in intercropping, crop rotation and crop mixture in coconut gardens thus forming an integral part of cropping systems of the tropics. To encourage and extend blackgram cultivation in coconut gardens, suitable varieties tolerant to shade, need to be identified. The current study aims to screen shade tolerant blackgram varieties with respect to morpho-physiological characters and yield. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. Uniformly spaced coconut palms of age above 40 years were selected having a light intensity of 40-46.5 Klux. Twelve promising blackgram varieties along with three cultures were evaluated under low light intensity in coconut garden. Morpho-physiological attributes and yields were recorded and analysed statistically. Result: Superior growth attributes and physiological parameters like stomatal frequency, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate were recorded in varieties namely, DBGV 5, Sumanjana and VBN 5. These varieties were found tolerant to low light intensity with DBGV 5 recording significantly higher yield (1183.33 kg ha-1) followed by VBN 5 (916.67 kg ha-1) and Sumanjana (906.67 kg ha-1) and could be recommended as suitable for intercropping in coconut garden.

Soil Suitability Assessment for Intercropping Cocoa in Coconut Gardens of Tamil Nadu

Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Coconut Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Aliyarnagar – 642 101.

KAJIAN GENDER DALAM CERPEN KUKILA KUMPULAN CERPEN KARYA A. AAN MANSYUR

The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe the phenomenon of gender in short stories with a feminist approach. This study used a descriptive qualitative method with content analysis techniques. Data collection was carried out by a descriptive survey through relevant research article data sources, library data sources, printed books containing a collection of Aan Mansyur's short stories published by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama in 2012. The analysis focused on the Mansyur author's thinking, social issues, traditional culture, and modern culture regarding women. The results of the study, namely the type of feminist used by the author Mansyur is existential feminism. In this case, the mother character in the short story in the Coconut Gardens in my Head shows its existence as a human being who can compete in the public sphere. Auntie Mare can pay for her children's education by working. In terms of culture, there has been a change from traditional to modern culture. Aunt Mare's character is no longer employed as ata or slave in the Bone tradition but is given a job as a gardener and barber. Generally, this work is carried out by men but through the author Mansyur, the job is taken over by women. Mansyur's short story found the phenomenon of gender injustice including marginalization, subordination, stereotyping, physical violence, and workload problems

Identification of Leptoxyphium sp. causing sooty mold on coconut

All through the occurrence of Rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) infestation in coconut gardens from ICAR-CPCRI, Kayamkulam Regional station, Kerala that commenced during late 2017, a close association of a sooty mould fungus, with the insect feeding was found that was responsible for the cosmetic damage on palm leaflets as well as intercrops grown within the coconut gardens. The fungus was isolated and studied the morphological and molecular character for identification. The vegetative hyphae consist of cylindrical shaped cells having constrictions at the septum and a thick mucilaginous layer covering the cells. The long synnemata originates from the vegetative hyphae which has a bulbous base and funnel-shaped conidiomata at the apex. Conidiomata contains innumerous single celled round to oval shaped conidia. Based on the morphological studies and molecular characterization of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, the fungus was identified as Leptoxyphium sp., a sooty mold not previously reported from coconut gardens. A classical association of a Leiochrinid beetle devouring sooty mold fungus from palm leaflets was also observed.

Survey of pencil point disorder manifested coconut gardens of Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore Dt, Tamil Nadu

Survey of pencil point disorder manifested coconut gardens of Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore Dt, Tamil Nadu

Suitability study on elephant foot yam varieties under coconut gardens of east coast region of Tamil Nadu

An experiment on identification of suitable elephant foot yam varieties as intercrop for coconut gardens of east coastal region of Tamil Nadu was conducted at ICAR KVK, Thiruvarur during 2013 to 2015. Three varieties viz., Gajendra, Sree Padma and local check were tested in five locations of this region with seven replications as per Randomized block design (RBD). Observations on growth and yield attributes were recorded and crop economics were calculated and analysed statistically. The results revealed that, maximum plant height (72.10 cm), pseudo stem girth (13.10 cm), canopy spread E-W(81.30 cm), canopy spread N-S(83.20 cm), petiole length (55.60 cm), number of branches (5.30), number of leaflets (302.50) and Leaf Area Index (3.20) were recorded in the variety Gajendra followed by Sree Padma. The least vales for the parameters studied were recorded by the local check variety. The variety Gajendra took 56.00 days only for the 50 per cent emergence of the crop stand against 62.00 and 93.00 days respectively in Sree Padma and local check variety. The yield attributes viz., tuber yield (28.90 t/ha), corm diameter (15.30 cm), corm fresh weight (1340.80g), volume of tuber (2156.00 cm3), corm dry weight (339.60 g), dry matter per cent (25.33%) and Starchcontent (17.90%) were higher in the variety Gajendra. The net returns to the farmers also found higher in the variety Gajendra. As a conclusion of the study, elephant foot yam variety Gajendrais the most suitable intercrop in the coconut gardens of East coastal regions of Tamil Nadu.

Tillage and nutrition for tannia [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.). Schott] raised as an intercrop in coconut gardens

Tillage and nutrition for tannia [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.). Schott] raised as an intercrop in coconut gardens

Customized fertilizer formulations for elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson) under intercropping in coconut gardens for Kerala, India

Among tropical tuber crops, elephant foot yam ( Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson) is a highly potential and ideal intercrop in the coconut gardens of Kerala, especially in agro-ecological unit (AEU) 3 and AEU 9 with laterite and sandy soil types, respectively. This paper narrates the protocols developed for evolving customized fertilizer (CF) formulations for elephant foot yam (EFY) under intercropping in coconut gardens of Kerala including their testing and validation in different parts of the State to arrive at the best grade and rate of application. The methodology included, arriving at the weighted average data of each chemical parameter of the two AEUs and the theoretical optimum of the nutrient recommendation evolved for N, P, K, Mg, Zn, B, dolomite based on the weighted average data was 71: 12.5: 106.5: 12.8: 4.2: 1.31: 1000 kg ha-1 for AEU 3 and 78: 12.5: 90: 12.8: 4.2: 1.31: 1000 kg ha-1 for AEU 9, respectively. The actual optimum nutrient doses evolved based on nutrient omission plot (NOP) and nutrient level (NL) experiments for N, P, K, Mg, Zn, B and dolomite was 140: 20: 225: 19.2: 4.2: 1.575: 1500 kg ha-1 for AEU 3 and 160: 12.5: 180: 19.2: 6.3: 1.975: 1500 kg ha-1 for AEU 9, respectively. Based on the nutrient use parameters computed for an yield target of 45 t ha-1, as per soil test crop response (STCR), quantity of nutrients to be supplied through CF formulation was arrived as 203 and 185, 58 and 63, 145 and 175 kg N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively for AEU 3 and AEU 9. In the case of secondary and micronutrients, the level at which the highest tuber yield obtained as 19.2, 4.2 and 1.575 kg ha-1 Mg, Zn, B, respectively for AEU 3 and 19.2, 6.3 and 1.975 kg ha-1 for AEU 9 was taken. Considering the nutrient content in the CF as 20% N and 70% K, for an application rate of 500 kg ha-1, the grades of the CF based on STCR approach was arrived as N: P2O5: K2O: Mg: Zn: B is 8: 11: 21: 3.5: 1: 0.3 for AEU 3 (CF1) and 7: 12: 24: 3.5: 1.25: 0.4 for AEU 9 (CF2). In the response curve (RC), the nutrient levels at the highest tuber yield obtained under NOP and NL was taken and the grades of N: P2O5: K2O: Mg: Zn: B arrived was 7: 3: 25: 4: 1.25: 0.4 for AEU 9 (CF3) and 6: 3: 30: 3.5: 1: 0.3 for AEU 3 (CF4). Among these four grades, the first three grades tested at two doses viz. 500 and 625 kg ha-1 in three farmers’ fields of the two AEUs indicated better performance of all the three grades @ 625 kg ha-1. The three grades @ 625 kg ha-1 tried in large plots of the five major EFY growing districts of Kerala viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam for profitability, soil health and tuber quality revealed CF2 with grade as N: P2O5: K2O: Mg: Zn: B @ 7: 12: 24: 3.5: 1.25: 0.4 as the best in terms of tuber yield, BC ratio, soil quality indices and biochemical attributes of the tuber.

Field efficacy of the parasitoid, Pediobius imbrues (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on coconut slug caterpillar, Macroplectra nararia Moore (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

The coconut slug caterpillar, Macroplectra nararia is one of the major pests of coconut plantations in Andhra Pradesh with periodic out breaks especially under favorable weather conditions. Though many parasitoids were identified against this sporadic out break pest, none were found amenable for laboratory rearing. A new larval parasitoid, Pediobius imbrues (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with a natural parasitisation ranging from 2 -10 per cent under field conditions was identified in slug affected coconut gardens in March 2015. This parasitoid was also found amenable for lab rearing on Bracon hebetor probably being facultative hyper parasitoid. Field release studies of lab reared P. imbrues against slug caterpillar in the affected coconut gardens revealed that a maximum of 41.41 and 50.31 per cent parasitsm of slug caterpillar, respectively, in 2017 and 2018 within 30 days after release and this promising parasitism provides scope for large scale field releases during slug caterpillar out breaks in view of major economic losses caused by the pest.